3 John 4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
What should a parent do when their kids make them proud?…
We currently have three teenagers (yes, please pray for us!). Recently, each of them made some significant spiritual decisions in their lives – decisions that will help them become more like Jesus and better pursue their personal walk with Him.
Thankfully, we have been fortunate for our kids to be exposed to some various and great opportunities for spiritual growth through youth groups, school trips, camps, and personal investments made into their lives.
With each good decision they’ve made, I’ve been reminded of the value and importance of exposing young people to as much truth and positive spiritual influence as possible during these crucial years of their life and development.
Because it’s often during these years that influential friendships are made, lifelong habits are formed, and long-term directional decisions are made.
One of the best things any parent can ever do for their teen is expose them to as many opportunities as possible for God to speak to their heart.
I can’t emphasize enough just how important it is that parents choose to send their kids to church camp if at all possible, make sure they’re in youth group every week, and encourage ongoing spiritual influences in their lives (books, podcasts, godly people they should follow on social media).
Don’t waste any weeks or years through complacency, but do all that you can to nurture their relationship with Christ in this small fleeting window of opportunity.
I’ve heard it said and believe it to be true – direction determines destination. One of my life’s greatest goals is to direct my children’s hearts toward a passion for Christ, and so my heart swells with pride at the trajectory of their current decisions. Especially when these are decisions we’ve prayed for and hoped for that are now coming to pass in their hearts.
Never underestimate the power of godly influences and the power of prayer.
So, enough about me and my family. I’m sure you have some things and decisions that you could brag on your kids about too!
Question: What should a parent do when they’re filled with pride towards their kids and their decisions? May I suggest these two responses:
PRAISE
James 1:17 reminds us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” When something good happens in your life or family, praise the one ‘from whom all blessing flow’. After you’ve given thanks and praise to God, don’t forget to praise your children as well. You need to say it and they want to hear it.
Learn to praise your children far more for what they get right than you criticize them for what they do wrong. Strive for your home to be a place of grace.
PRAY
James 5:16 reminds us that “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” A wise parent will recognize that their children’s good decisions today are never a guarantee of their future success tomorrow. Parents, pray daily for your children. Pray specifically for your children. Pray fervently for your children.
“You’ll never be a perfect parent, but you can be a praying parent.” – Mark Batterson
Maybe you had a praying parent when you were a teenager, or maybe you didn’t. But I guarantee that now as a parent yourself, you can see the value in praying for your teen. They are facing a world full of challenges unlike we’ve ever seen before, and they need the power of a praying parent on their side.
Parents, how could you better incorporate these two key ingredients in your children’s lives this week?
Also, what is something one of your children has done recently that has made you proud? Please share. I’d love to hear about it.
